The Caltech Playreaders

2022-2023: The 72nd Season

Please Remember Our New Time For All Events:
Doors Open at 6:15 PM and Director's Talk Begins at 6:30 PM

 

Tuesday, May 09, 2023

6:30 pm PDT

Women Playing Hamlet

Written by William Missouri Downs

Directed by Ann K. Lindsey

When Jessica is cast as Hamlet in a New York production, she goes into a desperate existential tailspin. How can a woman play Hamlet? Psychiatrists, acting coaches, academics, and baristas with MFAs all try to enlighten her. Even Patrick Stewart weighs in. Like Hamlet, Jessica is a thoughtful protagonist who sets out against this sea of troubles. But how can she figure out what "to be or not to be" when she can't even figure out herself? This witty satire manages to both spoof and pay homage to Shakespeare: "We are but passengers at a baggage claim, desperate to… spy that bit of ribbon that tells us we've found our self."

"Women Playing Hamlet" is presented by special arrangement with Playscripts, Inc.

Please Note: masking in all indoor settings, with the exception of instructional spaces, will be voluntary effective Monday, October 3, 2022.

This change to the Institute's campus masking requirements, as first outlined in a September 1 community message, aligns with local public health directives and guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. It also responds to improving trends in COVID-19 case activity on campus and in the local community.

Please note that while the Institute will no longer require masking in all indoor settings or at large outdoor events, all members of the Caltech community who wish to continue to wear a mask are encouraged to do so. Please see the Caltech Together website for more information.